liments. The phrases were
awkwardly transmitted, it is true; but looks and gestures were sufficient
to make them intelligible and interesting. The girls were all vivacity,
and respect for me could scarcely keep them from romping with my host,
who, asking for a pinch of snuff, was presented with a box, out of which
an artificial mouse, fastened to the bottom, sprang. Though this trick
had doubtless been played the out of mind, yet the laughter it excited
was not less genuine.

They were overflowing with civility; but, to prevent their almost killing
my babe with kindness, I was obliged to shorten my visit; and two or
three of the girls accompanied us, bringing with them a part of whatever
the house afforded to contribute towards rendering my supper more
plentiful; and plentiful in fact it was, though I with difficulty did
honour to some of the dishes, not relishing the quantity of sugar and
spices put into everything. At supper my host told me bluntly that I was
a woman of observation, for I asked him _men's questions_.

The arrangements for my journey were quickly made. I could only have a
car with post-horses, as I did not choose to wait till a carriage could
be sent for to Gothenburg. The expense of my journey (about one or two
and twenty English miles) I found would not amount to more than eleven or
twelve shillings, paying, he assured me, generously. I gave him a guinea
and a half. But it was with the greatest difficulty that I could make
him take so much--indeed anything--for my lodging and fare. He declared
that it was next to robbing me, explaining how much I ought to pay on the
road. However, as I was positive, he took the guinea for himself; but,
as a condition, insisted on accompanying me, to prevent my meeting with
any trouble or imposition on the way.

I then retired to my apartment with regret. The night was so fine that I
would gladly have rambled about much longer, yet, recollecting that I
must rise very early, I reluctantly went to bed; but my senses had been
so awake, and my imagination still continued so busy, that I sought for
rest in vain. Rising before six, I scented the sweet morning air; I had
long before heard the birds twittering to hail the dawning day, though it
could scarcely have been allowed to have departed.

Nothing, in fact, can equal the beauty of the northern summer's evening
and night, if night it may be called that only wants the glare of day,
the full light which freq